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TomFolio.com FAQ: Empty Browser Cache
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What is the cache and why should I clear it?
Every browser -- that's the software you use to go to websites, such as Internet Explorer, Netscape, Mozilla, Firefox, AOL, Mosaic, and Opera -- keeps compressed copies of text and images from websites you have visited. This compressed data is used to increase the speed it takes to download the page the next time you visit. In other words, significant time is saved because on your subsequent visits, your computer can use some data that has already been downloaded, rather than freshly download the entire webpage every time you visit. The already-downloaded files are stored in your browser's cache: that's pronounced "cash" and means a folder of kept items. After you visit a lot of sites the cache may contain thousands of such files.
Clearing the cache means to delete all the files in the cache folder.
You should periodically clear the cache because, after using your browser for many months or years, the thousands upon thousands of compressed in the cache folder actually cause your browser to slow down rather than speed up. If you never clear your cache your browser may slow down so much that it essentially stops working.
No harm will be done to your computer, or any part of your computer's memory or software, by clearing the cache.
How often should I clear the cache?
Once a month is recommended, or more often if you do a lot of websurfing.
How do I clear my cache?
Each browser has a built-in method for clearing its cache. Instructions follow for various types. First you need to determine:
A. Your operating system (most home computers run on Windows; the other major operating system is Mac) . . .
B. Your browser (Internet Explorer, Netscape, Mozilla, Firefox, AOL) . . .
C. Which version of the browser you are using. With your browser open, go to Help > About and find the version number that shows on the screen.
Instructions follow for several browsers. If you don't see the right one, please contact your browsers manufacturer.
WINDOWS MOZILLA 1.x
- Go to Tools > Options.
- Click on the left-hand button marked Privacy.
- The last item on the list is Cache. To clear the cache, click the "Clear" button to the right of the word Cache.
- Click "OK" when finished.
WINDOWS MOZILLA FIREFOX 1.x
- Go to Tools > Options.
- Click on the left-hand button marked Privacy.
- The last item on the list is Cache. To clear the cache, click the "Clear" button to the right of the word Cache.
- Click "OK" when finished.
WINDOWS INTERNET EXPLORER 5.x and 6.x
- Go to Tools > Internet Options.
- Select the General tab.
- On the section marked "Temporary Internet Files," click Settings.
- Where it says "Check For Newer Versions Of Stored Pages," choose "Every Visit To The Page."
- Click "OK."
- Click the Delete File button. A new window opens.
- Check the box for "Delete all offline content."
- Click "OK."
- Restart your computer.
MAC INTERNET EXPLORER 5.x
- Go to Edit > Preferences.
- If it's not already expanded, select the "Web Browser" section by clicking on the right-arrow.
- Click the "Advanced" button.
- Confirm you have "Always" selected.
- Click on "Empty Now."
- Click "OK."
- Restart your computer.
WINDOWS NETSCAPE 4.x to 7.x
- Go to Edit > Preferences (last on list).
- Click the + sign next to Advanced (on Netscape 7.x, click the triangle).
- Click over Cache.
- In the spot where it says "Document in cache is compared to document on network," click the dot next to "Every Time."
- Press the button that says "Clear Memory Cache." A window pops up; click "OK."
- Press button that says "Clear Disk Cache." A window pops up; click "OK."
- Close Netscape and restart your computer.
WINDOWS NETSCAPE 8.x
- Go to Tools > Options.
- Click on the panel marked "Privacy."
- Click "Cache."
- Click "Clear Cache."
MAC NETSCAPE 4.7x and 6.x
- Close all browser windows.
- Go to Edit > Preferences.
- Expand the "Advanced" options by clicking on the arrow pointing to "Advanced."
- Select "Cache."
- Confirm you have "Every Time" selected.
- Click on "Clear Disk Cache."
- When asked if you're sure, click "OK."
- Click "OK" to close the window.
- Close Netscape and restart your computer.
MAC SAFARI 2.x
- Click and hold on "Safari" in the main menu bar.
- While holding the mouse button down, drag to "empty cache" in the dropdown menu.
- Release the mouse button.
WINDOWS AOL 9.0
- Launch AOL.
- Click the "Settings" icon on the AOL toolbar. A window will pop up.
- Go to Essentials > Internet (Web) Options.
- Click on the General tab.
- Go to the "Temporary Internet Files" section.
- Click "Settings."
- Under "Check for newer versions of stored pages," make sure the first option, "Every visit to the page," is selected.
- Click "OK."
- Click the "Delete Files . . ." button.
- Check the box for "Delete all offline content."
- Click "OK."
- Your cache has been cleared. Click the "OK" button to close the AOL Internet properties box.
MAC AOL 5.0
Please note that unfortunately, AOL's web browser requires you to quit AOL and then restart AOL and restart your MAC for the cache to completely empty after following the instructions below. You may complete the following instructions online or offline:
- Launch AOL.
- Go to My AOL > Preferences.
- Click on the "WWW" icon.
- Locate the square labeled "Disk Cache."
- Click on the "Empty Cache Now" button.
- Click "OK".
- Close the "Preferences" window.
- Quit (exit) AOL.
- Restart your computer.
Content written by Gwen Foss, Alan's Used Books;
with help from Sharon Moehn, Page Turners, Inc; and
Penelope Hough, The Owl at the Bridge.
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